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This weekend’s College GameDay matchup is a big one between the University of Georgia (No. 2) and the University of Alabama (No. 6). The last time these two teams matched up in the 2025 SEC Championship, Georgia took the W, and Alabama is ready for revenge.
On the field, they’ll be led by Keelon Russell, who joined the team in 2025 as the backup quarterback. He only played two games last year, but was named starting QB ahead of the 2026 season.
Keelon grew up playing football thanks to his dad, who was also a former college football star. Scroll down to learn more about the athlete’s parents and family.
Who is Keelon Russell’s dad?
Keelon’s dad is Brian Russell, a former defensive back at Louisiana Tech University and heavily inspired Keelon’s football career. He is now a high school football coach.
In 2024, Brian opened up about Keelon’s decision to switch his football commitment from Southern Methodist University to Alabama. “When you look at the recent history, Mac Jones, Bryce Young, Tua, and his goal has been to be a Heisman-winning quarterback, and there have been so many great quarterbacks at Alabama,” he explained.
Brian also added, “Another thing is the quarterback room is very small, meaning that Jalen Milroe will possibly go to the NFL and even if he doesn’t go to the NFL, there is no one else in the quarterback room that has much snap experience. So when he goes in December to Alabama, he’ll be on an even playing field. Going into the season as a freshman, there’s a possibility that he could possibly be the number two quarterback, fighting for a starting position. Those are all great things.”
Who is Keelon Russell’s mom?
Keelon’s mom is April Moore. Little is known about her, although she reportedly attended Ole Miss for college. She is extremely supportive of Keelon’s football career.
To God be the Glory, thank you son for always making sure your momma is taken care of… ❤️❤️❤️❤️ @Pres1dential https://t.co/dkPxulggAh
— April Moore (@AK3inc) May 20, 2025
In May 2025, April revealed that her son bought her a new Mercedes car with money from his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. “To God be the Glory, thank you son for always making sure your momma is taken care of…” she captioned a photo.
What happened to Keelon Russell’s sister?
Keelon had a twin sister, Kierston, who died unexpectedly in June 2025. She was expected to attend the University of Alabama with her brother that August.
At the time of Kierston’s death, the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit confirmed that the death appeared to be “non-criminal in nature,” and no further information was released.
“These are words a mother never imagines having to write about their child in a lifetime,” April wrote in a social media post. “I know I will never truly be whole again. Kierston, you were a true angel from God and the only thought that is providing me with any peace and strength in this moment is knowing you are with him now.”
She continued, “For 18 years I have been a witness to you shining your light on everyone you met and in everything you did. My love for you cannot be measured, it is infinite and it will always be part of me. Thank you God, for choosing me to be her mother. I will spend every day for the rest of my life honoring her legacy in everything I do.”